The artwork titled “Hansel and Gretel,” created by Mikhail Vrubel in 1896 within the Russian Federation, is an exemplary piece of Symbolism in the genre of literary painting. Executed with oil on canvas, this painting delves into the rich tapestry of narrative art by visualizing the famous fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel.
In the foreground of the artwork, two figures representing Hansel and Gretel are central, depicted with a textured and somewhat impressionistic style that is characteristic of Vrubel’s mature works. The children are presented in a close embrace, exuding a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. The background is dense with exaggerated and almost dream-like foliage, enhancing the mystical ambiance. The dark, muted colors and the intricate details contribute to an overall somber and ethereal mood, typical of the Symbolist movement. The architecture behind the figures suggests the infamous witch’s house, rendered with gothic and ominous elements, further enriching the narrative’s context within the painting.
